Adjustable Rolling Pin System

ABSTRACT

A rolling pin system comprising a rolling pin with two ends and a rolling pin diameter, radial expansion device coupled to each end, each radial expansion device including multiple arms, each arm including a pivot component to pivot between two states, each arm including arc sections, each arc section having a diameter of curvatures, in one state, the arc section of the multiple arms cooperating to form a surface of rotation with one diameter of curvature, in the second state, the arc section of the multiple arms cooperating to form a surface of rotation with another diameter of curvature, the other diameter of curvature being greater than the one diameter of curvature.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments described herein generally relate to an adjustable rollingpin.

BACKGROUND

Rolling pins are an important tool found in many kitchens. Rolling pinsare cylindrical in shape, providing a surface on which to form andflatten dough to an even thickness prior to cooking or baking. Rollingpins may be composed of many different types of materials, includingwood, ceramic, marble, porcelain, glass, brass, and copper.

Rolling dough to the desired thickness includes placing the cylindricalbody of the rolling pin at the center of the dough and hand rolling therolling pin along a radius from the center of the dough while applyingsteady downward pressure on the outer edges of the body or handles ofthe rolling pin. Because the dough thickness varies with the downwardpressure that is applied to the rolling pin and the speed with which therolling pin traverses across the dough, it is difficult to achieve auniform and designated dough thickness. Expert bakers may be able toachieve dough with uniform thickness using a common rolling pin as aresult of years of practice.

Bakers may alternatively rely on offset discs to achieve a uniformdesignated dough thickness. An offset disc attached to each end of therolling pin enables the rolling pin to evenly roll the dough to providea uniform designated thickness. The offset discs must be paired in sizeand affixed to both ends of the rolling pin in order to achieve adesignated dough thickness. Changing the dough thickness relies onremoving the offset disks and then replacing the offset disks with amatched pair of offset disks having a different size. Because the offsetdiscs are separate parts to the rolling pin, they may be misplaced inthe baking setting. There is a need for a rolling pin that provides foradjustments in uniform dough thickness without the complexitiesassociated with storing, installing and re-installing the offset disks.

SUMMARY

An example of a rolling pin comprising a rolling pin with a first end, asecond end, and a rolling pin diameter, a first radial expansion devicecoupled to the first end, the first radial expansion device having afirst modifiable diameter, the first radial expansion device having aplurality of first arms, each first arm of the plurality of first armsincluding a first pivot component configured to pivot from a first stateto a second state, each first arm including a first arc section and asecond arc section, the first arc section having a first diameter ofcurvature, the second arc section having a second diameter of curvaturedifferent than the first diameter of curvature, the first arc sectionsof the plurality of first arms cooperating to form a first surface ofrotation when the first pivot components of the plurality of first armsare in the first state, the second arc sections of the plurality offirst arms cooperating to form a second surface of rotation when thefirst pivot components of the plurality of first arms are in the secondstate, the second diameter of curvature being greater than the rollingpin diameter, and a second radial expansion device coupled to the secondend, the second radial expansion device having a second modifiablediameter, the second radial expansion device having a plurality ofsecond arms, each second arm of the plurality of second arms including asecond pivot component configured to pivot from a third state to afourth state, each second arm including a third arc section and a fourtharc section, the third arc section having the first diameter ofcurvature, the fourth arc section having the second diameter ofcurvature, the third arc sections of the plurality of second armscooperating to form the first surface of rotation when the second pivotcomponents of the plurality of second arms are in the third state, thefourth arc sections of the plurality of second arms cooperating to formthe second surface of rotation when the second pivot components of theplurality of second arms are in the fourth state.

In various embodiments, each first pivot component of the plurality offirst arms is coupled to a first actuation device configured to pivotfrom the first state to the second state, and each second pivotcomponent of the plurality of second arms is coupled to a secondactuation device configured to pivot from the third state to the fourthstate.

In some embodiments, each first arm of the plurality of first arms is atleast partially adjacent to at least one other arm of the plurality offirst arms, and each second arm of the plurality of second arms is atleast partially adjacent to at least one other arm of the plurality ofsecond arms. In one example, the first surface of rotation is a circularspiral of the first arc sections of the plurality of first arms. In oneembodiment, the second surface of rotation is a circular spiral of thesecond arc sections of the plurality of first arms. The first statecomprises the first arc sections of the plurality of first arms being ata first outer circumference of the first radial expansion device andwherein the second state comprises the second arc sections of theplurality of first arms being at a second outer circumference of thefirst radial expansion device. In some embodiments, each first pivotcomponent is capable of pivoting about a radial center of the firstradial expansion device at a pivoting diameter.

The rolling pin may further comprise an elastic material that isstretchable when the second arc sections of the plurality of first armscooperate to form the second surface of rotation. The first diameter ofcurvature is greater than the rolling pin diameter. The rolling pin mayfurther comprise a rolling member coupled to the first radial expansiondevice opposite the rolling pin.

An example rolling pin system comprises a rolling pin with a first end,a second end, and a rolling pin diameter, a first radial expansiondevice coupled to the first end, the first radial expansion devicehaving a first modifiable diameter, the first radial expansion devicehaving a plurality of first arms, each first arm of the plurality offirst arms including a first extension means configured to extend thefirst arm of the plurality of first arms from a first state to a secondstate, each first arm including a first arc section and a second arcsection, the first arc section having a first diameter of curvature, thesecond arc section having a second diameter of curvature different thanthe first diameter of curvature, the first arc sections of the pluralityof first arms cooperating to form a first surface of rotation when thefirst extension means of the plurality of first arms are in the firststate, the second arc sections of the plurality of first armscooperating to form a second surface of rotation when the firstextension means of the plurality of first arms are in the second state,the second diameter of curvature being greater than the rolling pindiameter, and a second radial expansion device coupled to the secondend, the second radial expansion device having a second modifiablediameter, the second radial expansion device having a plurality ofsecond arms, each second arm of the plurality of second arms including asecond extension means configured to extend the second arm of theplurality of second arms from a third state to a fourth state, eachsecond arm including a third arc section and a fourth arc section, thethird arc section having the first diameter of curvature, the fourth arcsection having the second diameter of curvature, the third arc sectionsof the plurality of second arms cooperating to form the first surface ofrotation when the second extension means of the plurality of second armsare in the third state, the fourth arc sections of the plurality ofsecond arms cooperating to form the second surface of rotation when thesecond extension means of the plurality of second arms are in the fourthstate.

In some embodiments, each first extension means of the plurality offirst arms is coupled to a first actuation device configured to extendthe first arm of the plurality of first arms from the first state to thesecond state, and each second extension means of the plurality of secondarms is coupled to a second actuation device configured to extend thefirst arm of the plurality of first arms from the third state to thefourth state. In one example, each first arm of the plurality of firstarms is at least partially adjacent to at least one other arm of theplurality of first arms, and each second arm of the plurality of secondarms is at least partially adjacent to at least one other arm of theplurality of second arms. The first surface of rotation is a circularspiral of the first arc sections of the plurality of first arms. Thesecond surface of rotation is a circular spiral of the second arcsections of the plurality of first arms. The first state comprises thefirst arc sections of the plurality of first arms being at a first outercircumference of the first radial expansion device and wherein thesecond state comprises the second arc sections of the plurality of firstarms being at a second outer circumference of the first radial expansiondevice. Each first pivot component is at a pivoting diameter about aradial center of the first radial expansion device.

In various embodiments, the rolling pin further comprises an elasticmaterial that is stretchable when the second arc sections of theplurality of first arms cooperate to form the second surface ofrotation. The first diameter of curvature is greater than the rollingpin diameter.

An example method comprises providing rolling pin with a first end, asecond end, and a rolling pin diameter, coupling a first radialexpansion device to the first end of the rolling pin, the first radialexpansion device having a first modifiable diameter, the first radialexpansion device having a plurality of first arms, each first arm of theplurality of first arms including a first pivot component configured topivot from a first state to a second state, each first arm including afirst arc section and a second arc section, the first arc section havinga first diameter of curvature, the second arc section having a seconddiameter of curvature different than the first diameter of curvature,the first arc sections of the plurality of first arms cooperating toform a first surface of rotation when the first pivot components of theplurality of first arms are in the first state, the second arc sectionsof the plurality of first arms cooperating to form a second surface ofrotation when the first pivot components of the plurality of first armsare in the second state, the second diameter of curvature being greaterthan the rolling pin diameter, and coupling a second radial expansiondevice to the second end of the rolling pin, the second radial expansiondevice having a second modifiable diameter, the second radial expansiondevice having a plurality of second arms, each second arm of theplurality of second arms including a second pivot component configuredto pivot from a third state to a fourth state, each second arm includinga third arc section and a fourth arc section, the third arc sectionhaving the first diameter of curvature, the fourth arc section havingthe second diameter of curvature, the third arc sections of theplurality of second arms cooperating to form the first surface ofrotation when the second pivot components of the plurality of secondarms are in the third state, the fourth arc sections of the plurality ofsecond arms cooperating to form the second surface of rotation when thesecond pivot components of the plurality of second arms are in thefourth state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a rolling pin system according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view of a rolling pin system withoutprotective layers in which arms of the radial expansion devices are inclosed states according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2B depicts a perspective view of the rolling pin system with theradial expansion device in which arms of the radial expansion devicesare in an open states according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2C depicts a perspective view of the rolling pin system with theradial expansion device in which arms (of the radial expansion devices)are in a mid-states according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 depicts a close-up perspective view of the radial expansiondevice according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4A depicts a close-up perspective view of the radial expansiondevice in which arms of the radial expansion device are in a closedstate according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4B depicts a close-up perspective view of the radial expansiondevice in which arms of the radial expansion device are in an open stateaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 4C depicts a close-up perspective view of the radial expansiondevice in which arms of the radial expansion device are in a midpointstate according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5A depicts a close-up side view of the radial expansion device inwhich arms of the radial expansion device are in a closed stateaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 5B depicts a close-up side view of the radial expansion device inwhich arms of the radial expansion device are in an open state accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 5C depicts a close-up side view of the radial expansion device inwhich arms of the radial expansion device are in a mid-state accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 6A depicts a perspective view of a base component according to someembodiments.

FIG. 6B depicts dimensions of the base component according to someembodiments.

FIG. 6C depicts a perspective view of a base component with eight armsinstalled according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7 depicts an arm installed on the base component according to someembodiments.

FIG. 8 depicts a base component of a radial expansion device with an armand gear spline according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 depicts a view of the arms fastened to the gear spline byfasteners according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10A depicts a view of an arm according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10B depicts another view of the arm according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10C depicts the dimensions of an arm according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10D depicts dimensions of an arm according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10E depicts rotational angles of radial expansion device accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 11A depicts a perspective view of an adjustment knob according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 11B depicts a back view of an adjustment knob, locking ring, andgear spline according to some embodiments.

FIG. 12 depicts a view of the radial expansion device showing parts ofthe adjustment knob, locking ring, and arms according to someembodiments.

FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of components of the radial expansiondevice of the rolling pin system according to some embodiments.

FIG. 14A depicts a view of components of a radial expansion device ofthe rolling pin system in which arms of the radial expansion device arein a closed state according to some embodiments.

FIG. 14B depicts another view of components of the radial expansiondevice in which arms are in an open state according to some embodiments.

FIG. 14C depicts a view of components of the radial expansion device inwhich arms are in a closed state according to some embodiments.

FIG. 15 depicts a cross-sectional view of the body of a radial expansiondevice coupled to the rolling pin body according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments enable an individual to dynamically change radialexpansion devices (e.g., expandable gears) incorporated within a rollingpin to assist in rolling or flattening dough to achieve a uniformthickness. In one example, the rolling pin system includes a rolling pinbody, and a radial expansion device on each end of the body of therolling pin.

In various embodiments, the radial expansion devices at or near each endof the rolling pin is controllable by a user to set different offsets.The different offsets allow the user to roll out dough or other materialto a desired thickness.

The radial expansion device include controllable arms that may beexpanded to a variety of different radii. In one example, a user mayadjust the radial expansion device at both ends of the rolling pin tocreate a ¼ inch offset thereby allowing dough to be rolled out to ¼ inchin thickness. The user may then adjust the radial expansion devices tocreate a ⅛ inch offset thereby allowing dough to be rolled out to ⅛inch. Subsequently, the user may then adjust the radial expansion devicesuch that the radial expansion device has no offset relative to therolling pin body, thereby allowing the rolling pin to be used as atypical rolling pin without the benefit of the radial expansion device.While various examples discussed herein may refer to imperial units, itwill be appreciated that the radial expansion device may be adjustedbased on metric units (e.g., 1 cm) or any other unit.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a rolling pin system 100 accordingto some embodiments. The example rolling pin system 100 includes arolling pin body 110, a cover 120, radial expansion devices 130A and130B (individually, collectively, radial expansion device 130), andprotective layers 170A and 170B. The example rolling pin system 100 mayinclude ends 104A and 104B. The example rolling pin system 100 mayfurther include an adjustment knob 160.

The rolling pin body 110 is located between the radial expansion devices130A and 130B. The rolling pin body 110 is the portion of the rollingpin used to roll out dough or similar material. The rolling pin body 110has a cylindrical (or semi-cylindrical) surface configured to flattendough for the purposes of baking or cooking. The rolling pin body 110may be tapered or not tapered.

The rolling pin body 110 may be composed of wood, marble, polymer,ceramic, aluminum, silicon, stainless steel, or some combinationthereof. The type of material used in the rolling pin body may depend onthe type of material that the individual is trying to roll. A marblerolling pain typically stays colder for longer periods of time comparedto wood or other materials, thereby keeping the dough (and incorporatedfats) cool. Silicon rolling pins are durable and typically offernonstick surfaces.

In some embodiments, the rolling pin body 110 may include the optionalcover 120. The cover 120 is composed of a polymer (e.g., an elastomer)with both viscosity and elastic properties that enables the cover 120 towithstand forces applied to the rolling pin by the user and the materialbeing rolled. Alternately, the cover 120 may be composed of, ceramic, orany other material(s).

The cover 120 may be smooth or textured to enable texture and/ortenderizing to be applied to the material being rolled. The cover 120may be removable (e.g., as a sleeve) or permanently affixed to therolling pin body 110. It will be appreciated that the cover 120 isoptional such that the rolling pin body 110 may or may not have thecover 120. In some embodiments, the cover 120 is composed of anelastomer such as a polymer with both viscosity and elasticityproperties.

The rolling pin body 110 may have any length suitable for use in thebaking environment. For example, the rolling pin body 110 may have alength of 12 inches, 20 inches, 21.5 inches, or the like. As follows,the length of the rolling pin system 100 may have any length includingthe length of the rolling pin body 110 and the radial expansion devices130A and 130B.

Each radial expansion device 130A and 130B is at an opposite end of therolling pin body 110 (e.g., at end 104A and 104B, respectively).Alternately, each radial expansion device 130A and B may close (but notat) the ends 104A and 104B of the rolling pin body 110. In one example,each radial expansion device 130A and 130B is at an equal distance to anopposite end 104A or 104B of the rolling pin body 110. In a furtherexample, each radial expansion device 130A and 130B is located twoinches from the closest end 104A or 104B (with respect to that radialexpansion device) of the rolling pin body 110. Each radial expansiondevice 130A and 130B may be at an equal distance (e.g., measuredlengthwise) to the closest end 104A or 104B of the rolling pin body 110.Alternately, each radial expansion device 130A and 130B may be atdifferent lengths from the ends 104A and 104B of the rolling pin body110.

A central axis 150 for reference is positioned in the center of therolling pin body 110.

In some embodiments, the protective layers 170A and 170B cover theradial expansion device 130A and 130B, respectively. The protectivelayers 170A and 170B are typically composed of a polymer (e.g., anelastomer) with both viscosity and elastic properties that enables theprotective layers 170A and 170B to protect the radial expansion devicesfrom dust, water, and particles of food (e.g., flour and dough).Alternately, the protective layers 170A and 170B may be composed of,ceramic, or any other material(s).

In various embodiments, the protective layers 170A and 170B stretch whenthe radial expansion devices 130A and 130B expand (e.g., the arms of theradial expansion devices 130A and 130B rotate outwards as describedherein). In this example, the protective layers 170A and 170B withstandthe forces on the rolling pin body 110 during use as well as forcescaused by expansion of the radial expansion devices 130A and 130B. Theprotective layers 170A and 170B typically return to their original sizeand shape when the radial expansion devices 130A and 130B are closed (asdiscussed herein).

The protective layers 170A and 170B are typically coupled (e.g., heldthrough mechanical means and/or adhered) to the rolling pin system 100(e.g., coupled at least to the rolling pin body 110).

The cover 120 may be adhered or mechanically held to the rolling pinsystem 100 prior to the end and close to the position(s) where theprotective layers 170A and 170B are adhered or mechanically held to therolling pin system 100.

In various embodiments, the cover 120 encases the rolling pin body 110and the radial expansion devices 130A, 130B. In one example, the rollingpin system 100 does not include protective layers 170A and 170B, butrather the cover 120 covers the radial expansion devices 130A and 130B.In this example, the cover 120 expands when pushed outwards by theexpansion of the radial expansion devices 130A and 130B and return tothe original shape when the radial expansion devices 130A and 130B areclosed.

The rolling pin system 100 may include a controller or adjustment knob160 that is not covered by the cover 120 or protective layers 170A and170B). The adjustment knob 160 typically controls expansion andcontraction of the radial expansion device 130A. Another adjustment knob(not depicted) is typically at the other end 104B of the rolling pinsystem 100 and controls expansion and contraction of the radialexpansion device 130B. It will be appreciated that any mechanism(s) maybe used to expand or contract the radial expansion devices 130A and130B. the adjustment knob 160 is further described herein.

FIGS. 2A-2C each depict a perspective view of the rolling pin system 100shown without a protective layers 170A and 170B covering the radialexpansion devices 130A and 130B for the purpose of illustration. EachFIG. 2A, 2B, and 2C depicts the radial expansion device 130A configuredin different states. In FIG. 2A, the radial expansion device 130A is ina “closed” state. In FIG. 2B, the radial expansion device 130A are in an“open” state. In FIG. 2C, the radial expansion device 130A is in a“middle” state (e.g., a mid-state). It will be appreciated that theradial expansion device 130A may be set to a variety of different states(e.g., at predetermined settings) which create different diameters.

FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view of a rolling pin system 100 withoutprotective layers 170A and 170B in which arms (e.g., arms 450 of FIG.4A) of the radial expansion devices 130A and 130B are in closed states240A and 240B according to some embodiments. In the rolling pin system100 seen in FIG. 2A, some of the components which make up the radialexpansion device 130A may be seen. In the closed state 240A and closedstate 240B, the arms 450 of the radial expansion devices 130A and 130Bare retracted such that the arms 450 of the radial expansion devices130A and 130B form a diameter that is equal, substantially equal, orless than the diameter 250 of the rolling pin body 110 (e.g., thediameter being perpendicular to the central axis 150). In closed states240A and 240B, the radial expansion devices 130A and 130B do not providean offset from the diameter of a rolling pin body 110.

FIG. 2B depicts a perspective view of the rolling pin system 100, withthe radial expansion device 130A in which arms (e.g., arms 450 of FIG.4B) of the radial expansion devices 130A and 130B are in an open states242A according to some embodiments. In the open state 242A, the arms 450of the radial expansion devices 130A and 130B, respectively, areexpanded such that the arms 450 of the radial expansion devices 130A and130B are expanded to a diameter that is greater than the diameter 250 ofthe rolling pin body 110. In mid-states 244A, the radial expansiondevices 130A and 130B provide a particular offset from the diameter of arolling pin body 110 which allows dough or other material to be rolledout with a particular thickness.

FIG. 2C depicts a perspective view of the rolling pin system 100, withthe radial expansion device 130A in which arms (e.g., arms 450 of FIG.4C) of the radial expansion devices 130A and 130B are in a mid-states244A according to some embodiments. In the mid-states 244A, the arms 450of the radial expansion devices 130A and 130B, respectively, areexpanded such that the arms 450 of the radial expansion devices 130A and130B are expanded to a diameter that is greater than the diameter 250 ofthe rolling pin body 110 but less than the diameter of the open states242A. In mid-states 244A, the radial expansion devices 130A and 130Bprovide a particular offset from the diameter of a rolling pin body 110which allows dough or other material to be rolled out with a particularthickness that is less than the thickness allowed in the open states242A (of FIG. 2B) but more than the diameter 250 of the rolling pin body110.

FIG. 3 depicts a close-up perspective view of a radial expansion device130A according to some embodiments. As discussed herein, the radialexpansion device 130A may be coupled to one end 104A or 104B (see FIG. 1) of the rolling pin body 110. In some embodiments, the radial expansiondevice 130A includes a protective layer 305 and an adjustment knob 310.The protective layer 305 may encase or envelop the radial expansiondevice 130A thereby protecting components of the radial expansion device130A from flour, water, and particles of food products (e.g., dough orflour). In some embodiments, the protective layer 305 possessesviscosity and elasticity properties which are identical to those of theprotective layer 170A of FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, the adjustmentknob 310 may be positioned at each end 104A and 104B of the rolling pinsystem 100 of FIG. 1 (e.g., the adjustment knob 310 may be theadjustment knob 160). The adjustment knob 160 is typically used tochange the state of the radial expansion device 130A (e.g., from theclosed state 240A to the mid-state 244A or the open state 242A).

FIG. 4A depicts a close-up perspective view of radial expansion device130A in which arms 450 of the radial expansion device 130A are in aclosed state 240A according to some embodiments. The user may interactwith an adjustment knob 310 to rotate the arms 450 from the closed stateto one or more prearranged settings (e.g., each with a different offsetrelative to the diameter of the closed state).

In various embodiments, in each of the prearranged settings other thanthe closed setting, the arms 450 create circular spirals (e.g., circularhelixes) of a different diameter than the diameter 250 (See FIG. 2A) ofthe rolling pin body 110 (See FIG. 2A) to create different offsets. Anexample of the placement of the arms 450 around a base component of theradial expansion device 130A can be found in FIG. 6C, which depicts theplacement and configuration of eight arms 450 in a closed state 240A.

FIG. 4B depicts a close-up perspective view of the radial expansiondevice 130A in which arms 450 of the radial expansion device 130A are inan open state 242A according to some embodiments. In the open state242A, the arms 450 are rotated to create a circular pattern composed ofa circular spiral 444 which includes a ⅜ inch offset relative to thediameter 250 (See FIG. 2B) of the rolling pin body 110 (See FIG. 2B).

As depicted in FIG. 4B, all or a portion of each of the arms 450 areadjacent to another arm. For example, each arm 450 may overlap with eachother relative to the end 104A or 104B with the adjustment knob 310. Inthis example, portions of each arm 450 (e.g., arc sections of each armdiscussed herein) may be positioned such that the same portion of eacharm 450 is configured to structurally support the rolling pin and thefunction of rolling dough, food, or the like. Each arm 450 may be lockedinto the position for the prearranged setting to prevent any of the arms450 from collapsing to the closed setting or to changing to a differentprearranged position.

It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the portions of eacharm do not collectively form an enclosed circle, but rather a spiral ofarm portions (e.g., arc lengths) with the same offset (e.g., the spiralhas a consistent diameter in each of the non-closed prearrangedsettings). The circular spiral may have a rotation angle of at least 360degrees (e.g., the portions of each of the arms 450 form a circularspiral that is substantially 360 degrees).

For example, the portion of each arm 450 may form a spiral 444 where thearm portions maintains the same offset (e.g., the same diameter)relative to the rolling pin system 100.

FIG. 4C depicts a close-up perspective view of the radial expansiondevice 130A in which arms 450 of the radial expansion device 130A are ina mid-state 244A according to some embodiments. In the mid-state 244A,the arms 450 may be rotated to create a concentric circle (e.g., in aspiral) that includes a ⅛ inch relative to the diameter 250 (See FIG.2B) of the rolling pin body 110 (See FIG. 2B).

FIG. 5A depicts a close-up side view 500 of the radial expansion device130A in which arms 450 of the radial expansion device 130A are in aclosed state 240A according to some embodiments. In FIG. 5A, there are 8arms 450 which are adjacent to each other. The arms portion length 580depends on the width of each of the arms 450. It will be appreciatedthat each arm 450 may have a width that is consistent with every otherarm. In some embodiments, one or more arms may have a different widththan each other.

The arms 450 are typically arranged in a circular pattern. The arms 450may be rotatably coupled to a base 510. The arms 450 in FIG. 5A areadjacent to one another in a concentric fashion such that as each of thearms 450 are rotated from one prescribed setting to another, they willnot collide or be bound with one another.

In this example, an indexing ring 560 is be positioned over the arms 450to assist with locking the arms 450 at different settings. The usertypically turns the adjustment knob 310 to adjust the indexing ring 560and alter an offset of the arms 450. More details regarding the indexingring 560 and adjustment knob 310 will be discussed in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 5B depicts a close-up side view 502 of the radial expansion device130A in which arms 450 of the radial expansion device 130A are in anopen state 242A according to some embodiments.

In one example, the user interacts with the adjustment knob 310 torotate the arms 450 outward to form a circular spiral which includes a ⅜inch offset from the diameter 250 (see FIG. 2B) of the rolling pin body110 (see FIG. 2B).

FIG. 5C depicts a close-up side view 504 of the radial expansion device130A in which arms 450 of the radial expansion device 130A are in amid-state 244A according to some embodiments. In the mid-state 244A, thearms 450 are typically rotated to create a circular spiral whichincludes a ⅛ inch offset of the diameter 250 (see FIG. 2B) of therolling pin body 110 (see FIG. 2B).

It will be appreciated that the radial expansion device 130A or 130B maybe utilized in many different apparatuses, machines, and/or systems. Theradial expansion device 130A or 130B are capable of creating a differentcircular spiral to support many different applications (e.g., not justlimited to rolling pins and baking). For example, the radial expansiondevice 130A or 130B may be utilized in automotive industries, the spaceindustry, fishing, towing, turning machine, and the like. FIGS. 6A-6C,7-9, and 10A-E describe a radial expansion device 130A or 130B that maybe utilized in combination with many different systems.

FIG. 6A depicts a perspective view 690 of a base component 600 accordingto some embodiments. The base component 600 is a part of the radialexpansion device (such as radial expansion device 130A or 130B coupledto a rolling pin system 100 as show in FIG. 1 ). The base component 600of the radial expansion device may be utilized as a part of manydifferent apparatuses and systems as discussed herein. The basecomponent 600 is typically a single unit (e.g., molded from a polymer ormetal) but in some embodiments, the base component 600 may includeseveral components coupled together.

The base component 600 includes arm coupling components 642 (e.g.,threaded or unthreaded holes). In the example of FIG. 6A, there are 16arm coupling components 642. It will be appreciated that the basecomponent 600 may be any number of arm coupling components 642. In afurther example, there may be an even or odd number of arm couplingcomponents 642.

To eliminate the possibility of the arms 450 colliding with one anotherwhen the arms 450 are rotated to form different circular spirals ofdifferent diameters, the arm coupling components 642 are offset orstepped (e.g., the offsets forming a series of steps from the face 684.The difference between the height of the steps in each of the armcoupling components 642 may be slightly greater than the thickness ofeach arm 450 (e.g., the difference 630 is equal or slightly greater thanthe width one of arm 450), such that, as the arms 450 of the radialexpansion device rotate, they will not collide with one another.

In the example of FIG. 6A, two of the arm coupling components 642 do nothave a standoff relative to the face 684 of the base component 600.Every other pair of arms 450 share the same standoff length (i.e., aparticular distance 630) from the face 684. The face 684 is opposite theback 675 of the base component 600. In other words, every two armcoupling components 642 may be positioned at a similar distance (e.g., asimilar difference 630) from the face 684. A standoff has a difference630 that is a particular width.

Each of the arm coupling components 642 is typically coupled to adifferent arm (e.g., arm 450 as show in FIG. 4C). The arm couplingcomponents 642 are in a circular pattern around a central axis 610. Thecentral axis 610 may be the central axis 150 shown in FIG. 1 .

In the example in FIG. 6A, there are two sets of arm coupling components642. For example, a radial expansion device with 16 arms 450 may includefour sets of arm coupling components 642, with each set of arm couplingcomponents 642 being at different heights relative to the face 684.

The base component 600 may be comprised of metal, a polymer such as anacetal resin, or any other materials. In some embodiments, the basecomponent 600 is composed of self-lubricating plastic such as DUPONT'sDELRIN®. In one embodiment, the base component 600 is composed of amaterial that is resistant to moisture, heat, chemicals, and solvents.

The base component 600 may include multiple support cavities, such assupport cavity 650. One or more support members are typically insertedthrough the support cavity 650 to a body of an attached apparatus (e.g.,the rolling pin system 100 see FIG. 1 ) to anchor the radial expansiondevice. In some examples, the support members are metal or wood screws,wooden dowels, wooden rods, or polymer support beams. There may be anynumber of support cavities 650.

An adjustment knob support cavity 660 is a hole to assist withconfiguring settings using the adjustment knob 310 (see FIG. 5C). Theadjustment knob support cavity 660 is typically positioned in the centerof the base component 600 (e.g., along the central axis 610). It will beappreciated that the adjustment knob 310 may operate in many differentways to adjust positions of the arms 450 and may not require theadjustment knob support cavity 660 (or the adjustment knob supportcavity 660 may be in a different position rather than along the centralaxis 610).

FIG. 6B depicts dimensions of the base component 600 according to someembodiments. In this example, the base component 600 has a diameter of1.875 inches. 0.625 inches separates the center of each arm couplingcomponents 642 from the center of the base (e.g., the center of theadjustment knob support cavity 660). In this example, the degreeseparation relative to the center of the base component 600 between twoarm coupling components 642 is 22.5°.

Other embodiments may include larger bases or smaller bases. The degreeof separation between arm coupling components 642 typically depends onthe number of arm coupling components 642 and/or the size of each armcoupling component 642. It will be appreciated that the distance betweeneach arm coupling components 642 to the center of the base component 600may be the same or different than any other arm coupling components 642.Further, in some embodiments, the distance between one or more armcoupling components 642 and the center of the base may be any length.

FIG. 6C depicts a perspective view 692 of a base component 600 witheight arms 670, 672, 674, 676, 678, 680, and 682 installed according tosome embodiments. As depicted in view 692, the base component 600includes arms 670, 672, 674, 676, 678, 680, and 682 arranged in ahalf-circle. The base component 600 depicted in view 692 includes eightarm coupling components 642 that are not coupled to arms 450 to show howarms 450 are coupled and arranged relative to the base component 600.

In some embodiments, the arms 670, 672, 674, 676, 678, 680, and 682 arearranged over one set of arm coupling components 642. When arms 670,672, 674, 676, 678, 680, and 682 are rotated about their respective armcoupling components, at least one arc section 722, 724, 726, or 728 (seeFIG. 7 ) of each of the multiple arms 450 are arranged in a circularpattern with a diameter that is offset from a central axis 610 (see FIG.6A).

Each arm 670, 672, 674, 676, 678, 680, and 682 depicted in FIG. 6C isadjacent to another arm 670, 672, 674, 676, 678, 680, and 682. Each arm670, 672, 674, 676, 678, 680, and 682 is rotationally coupled to aseparate arm coupling component 642. The arms are further discussedherein.

FIG. 7 depicts an arm 720 (similar to any of the arms 670, 672, 674,676, 678, 680, and 682 depicted in FIG. 6C) installed on a basecomponent 600 according to some embodiments. The base component 600includes two sets of arm coupling components 702, 704, 706, 708, 710,712, 714, and 716. Two arm coupling components that are directly acrossfrom each other (e.g., on opposite sides of the adjustment knob supportcavity 660) have the same offset (e.g., height from the face 684 of thebase component 600, the face 684 depicted in FIG. 6A).

FIG. 7 depicts sixteen arm coupling components 702, 704, 706, 708, 710,712, 714, and 716 as well as others not labeled in FIG. 7 . In otherembodiments, each set of arm coupling components may include fewer ormore arm coupling components. For example, a radial expansion devicewith 16 arms may include four sets of arm coupling components, with eachset of arm coupling components including four stepped arm couplingcomponents of different heights. In various embodiments, the minimumnumber of arms is 16. In one embodiment, the number of arms is an evennumber.

Each arm (e.g., arms 670, 672, 674, 676, 678, 680, and 682 as depictedin FIG. 6A are typically mounted to a separate arm coupling component(e.g., arm coupling components 702, 704, 706, 708, 710, 712, 714, or716). One arm 720 is depicted in FIG. 7 as being coupled to the basecomponent 600 via arm coupling component 708 for an example. The arm 720is typically mounted to arm coupling components 708 by an arm fastener(not shown). The arm 720 may be rotatably coupled to the arm couplingcomponent 708 in any number of ways (e.g., using screws, rivets, ballbearings, and/or the like).

The pivot component 730 is an elongated member coupled to the end of thearm 720 that is closest to the arm coupling component 708. Each arm(e.g., 670, 672, 674, 676, 678, 680, and 682 as depicted in FIG. 6A) mayinclude a separate pivot component 730. A mechanical action may pull,push, or turn the pivot component 730 such that the arc sections 722,724, 726, and 728 of the arm 720 rotate outward away from the adjustmentknob support cavity 660. Alternately, the pivot component 730 may beheld or locked in place such that the arm does not rotate further aboutthe arm coupling component 708.

In this example, the arm 720 includes arc sections 722, 724, 726, and728. Each arc section 722, 724, 726, and 728 may have a differentcurvature (e.g., a different degree of curvature). Although four arcsections 722, 724, 726, and 728 are depicted in FIG. 7 , there may beany number of act sections 722, 724, 726, and 728. Typically, there is adifferent arm coupled to a different arm coupling component with eacharm including the same number of arc sections. Similarly, the curvatureof each arc section of an arm typically matches at least one arc sectionof each other arm. For example, the arc section at the end of the arm(e.g., arc section 728) may match the curvature of the arc section atthe end of each of the other arms.

The base component 600 may include multiple support cavities, such assupport cavity 650. Support members may be inserted through the supportcavity 740 to a body of an apparatus or other support structure toanchor the base component 600. In some embodiments, the support members(not shown in FIG. 7 ) may be metal or wood screws, wooden dowels,wooden rods, or polymer support beams. The base component 700 mayfurther include an adjustment knob support cavity 660.

FIGS. 8 and 9 depict a radial expansion device 800 with a gear spline840 for configuring settings for expansion of arms (e.g., arm 820 ofFIGS. 8 and 9 as well as the other arms depicted in FIG. 9 ). FIG. 8depicts a base component 802 of a radial expansion device 800 with anarm 820 and gear spline 840 according to some embodiments. The arm 820is rotatably coupled to an arm coupling component 808 of the basecomponent 802.

The arm 820 may include arc sections 822, 824, 826, and 828 and a pivotcomponent 830. The pivot component 830 of the arm 820 mechanicallyinterfaces with teeth of the gear spline 840. The gear spline 840 issupported by a support member extending through the center of the gearspline 840.

The gear spline 840 includes multiple teeth and ridges such as ridge 842that forms a cavity to hold the pivot component 830. Each cavity of thegear spline 840 may retain a different pivot component of a differentarm (not shown in FIG. 8 ). When the gear spline 840 is turned, thepivot component 830 of the arm 820 (as well as the pivot components ofthe other arms) rotate about the arm coupling component 808. Similarly,each of the pivot components of the arms mechanically interface with adifferent cavity of the gear spline 840.

As the gear spline 840 is rotated about an adjustment knob axis 850(e.g., counterclockwise in the example of FIG. 7 ), the arm 820 pivotsthe arc sections 822, 824, 826, and 828 outwards away from theadjustment knob axis 850.

In one example, a user rotates an adjustment knob (not shown) that turnsthe gear spline 840 counterclockwise to open the arms (including arm820) of the radial expansion device 800. The degree that the gear spline840 is turned changes the state of the multiple arms of the radialexpansion device 800 from one state to another, which changes thediameter of a circular spiral of arms (e.g., the circular spiral definedby the outer circumference of the corresponding arc sections 822 of eacharm 450). In various embodiments, the user rotates an adjustment knobclockwise to close the arms (including arm 820) and reduce the diameterof the circular spiral of arms. It will be appreciated that theadjustment knob (not depicted in FIG. 8 ) may be turned in any directionto open or close the arms.

FIG. 9 depicts components of a radial expansion device 800, arms (e.g.,including arm 820) fastened to the gear spline 840 by fasteners (e.g.,including fastener 930) according to some embodiments. In this example,the radial expansion device 800 includes a protective layer 910,multiple arms including the arm 820, multiple fasteners includingfastener 930, and the gear spline 840.

As similarly described in FIG. 1 , the protective layer 910 surroundsthe radial expansion device 800 and typically protects the arms(including arm 820) and the gear spline 840 from debris. The protectivelayer 910 may be composed of an elastomer, a polymer, and protect thecomponents of the radial expansion device 800 from flour, water, dust,and dough. As arms of the radial expansion device 800 are opened andclosed, the protective layer 910 may expand and contract to accommodatethe changing diameter of the radial expansion device 800.

Each of the multiple arms (including arm 820) may be attached to an armcoupling component (including the arm coupling component 808 of FIG. 8 )by fasteners (including the fastener 930). In some embodiments, thefastener 930 is a fastener such as a screw made of any material (e.g.,stainless-steel). Alternately, the fastener 930 may be or include arivet, ball bearings, and/or the like.

Each arm (including arm 820) may be made of any material. In oneexample, each of the multiple arms (including arm 820) is composed ofstainless steel. In various embodiments, the arms may be composed ofstainless steel with a polymer covering. Each arm may include a numberof predefined arcs as shown in FIG. 10A.

In the illustrated example, the radial expansion device 800 includes 16arms mounted on two sets of stepped arm coupling components, where eachset of stepped arm coupling components includes eight arm couplingcomponents. A minimum number of arms required in order to obtain acircular spiral to maintain overlap between arms may be determined basedon the offset required and the number of arcs.

FIG. 10A depicts a view 1000 of an arm 1002 according to someembodiments. The arm 1002 includes arc sections 1010, 1012, 1014, and1016, arm retention member 1020, and a pivot component 1030. Each of thearms of the radial expansion device 800 depicted in FIG. 9 may beidentical to the arm 1002.

The arm 1002 may be composed of any rigid material. By rotating the arm1002, different arc sections 1010, 1012, 1014, and 1016 in combinationwith similar arc sections of other arms cooperate to create one of fourdifferent offsets. Each offset is of a different diameter formed bycorresponding arc sections of the different arms. In variousembodiments, the four different offsets may be 0 inches (i.e., nooffset), ⅛ inch offset, ¼ inch offset, and ⅜ inch offset. The arm 1002may be mounted to the base component via the arm retention member 1020(which in this example is a circular cavity to assist a fastener tofasten the arm 1002 to an arm coupling component discussed herein.

As discussed herein, the pivot component 1030 mechanically interfaceswith a mechanism (e.g., ridge or teeth of the gear spline 840 of FIG. 8) to rotate the arm 1002 about the arm retention member 1020. The armretention member 1020 typically is coupled to a base component via afastener as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the length of eacharc section is the diameter of a circle divided by the number of arms inthe radial expansion device. For example, the circular spiral may have adiameter of 2.5 inches, which corresponds to a ¼ inch offset from thediameter when the arms are closed.

FIG. 10B depicts another view of the arm 1002 according to someembodiments. FIG. 10B includes an arm axis 1040 which passes through thearm retention member 1020. When the arm 1002 interfaces with themechanism, such as the gear spline 840 of the FIG. 8 , the arm 1002 willrotate about the arm axis 1040.

FIG. 10C depicts dimensions of the arm 1002 according to someembodiments. While the arm 1002 can include any number of arc sectionswith any number of lengths, FIG. 10C shows one example of four arcsections 1010, 1012, 1014, and 1016. In this example, a distance 1050between a center 1054 of a diameter (e.g., a center of the basecomponent 600 depicted in FIG. 6A) and a center of the arm retentionmember 1020 is 0.625 inches. The multiple arm coupling components may bedisposed in a circular spiral, such that the separation between thecenter 1054 of the base component and the arm coupling component of eachof the arms of the radial expansion device 800 (see FIG. 8 ) is 0.625inches. In various embodiments, a diameter 1052 of the arm retentionmember 1020 is 0.24 inches.

In one example, when the radial expansion device 800 (see FIG. 8 ) is ina closed state or has a 0 inch offset from a diameter. In this example,the circular spiral formed by the arc section 1010 may have a diameter1060. The diameter 1060 is 1.875 inches. The arc section 1010 mayinclude a chord length of 0.525 inches.

In a first offset position, in this example, the radial expansion device800 has an ⅛ inch offset. The circular spiral formed in part by the arcsection 1012 may have a diameter 1062 (e.g., an ⅛ inch offset from thediameter 250 of the rolling pin body 110 in FIG. 2A may result in adiameter change of 0.25 inch). In some embodiments, the chord 1072 is2.250 inches. In an example, the difference between the diameter 250 ofthe rolling pin body 110 of FIG. 2A and the diameter of the first offsetposition is greater than 0.25 because protective layers which surroundthe radial expansion device 130A add to the diameter 1062. The arcsection 1012 may include a chord length of 0.525 inches.

In various embodiments, in a second offset position, the radialexpansion device 800 has an ¼ inch offset. The circular spiral formed inpart by the arc section 1014 may have a diameter 1064 (e.g., an ¼ inchoffset from the diameter 250 of the rolling pin body 110 in FIG. 2A mayresult in a diameter change of 0.5 inches). In some embodiments, thediameter 1064 is 2.5 inches. The difference between the diameter 1064 ofthe second offset position and the diameter 1062 of the first offsetposition is 0.5 inches. The arc section 1014 may include a chord lengthof 0.5 inches.

When the radial expansion device 800 is in a third offset position orhas a ⅜ inch offset, the circular spiral formed in part by the arcsection 1016 may have a diameter 1066 (e.g., a ⅜ inch offset from thediameter 250 of the rolling pin body 110 in FIG. 2A results in adiameter change of 0.75 inches). In some embodiments, the diameter 1066is 2.75 inches. The difference between the diameter 1066 of the thirdoffset position and the diameter 1064 of the second offset position is0.5 inches. The arc section 1016 may include a chord length of 0.5 inch.

FIG. 10D depicts dimensions of the arm 1002 according to someembodiments. In this example, the arc section 1010 has an arc length1080 of 0.117 inches, the length of an arc section (e.g., arc section1010) is the diameter of the circular spiral divided by the number ofarms 1000 in the radial expansion device 800. The arc section 1010 has achord 1070. The chord 1070 has a length of 0.525 inches in this example.The arc section 1012 includes a chord 1072 and an arc length 1082. Thechord 1072 is 0.525 inches, and the adjustment angle 1092 is 0.140inches. The arc section 1014 includes a chord 1074 and an arc length1084. The chord 1074 is 0.5 inches, and the adjustment angle 1094 is0.156 inches. The arc section 1016 include a chord 1076 and an arclength 1086. The chord 1076 is 0.5 inches, and the adjustment angle 1096is 0.172 inches.

The measurements depicted in FIG. 10D may be utilized in conjunctionwith the radial expansion device 130A depicted in FIG. 1 for use withthe rolling pin system 100. It will be appreciated that an arm 1002 mayhave different lengths, different chords, and different arc sectionsthan that depicted in FIG. 10D.

FIG. 10E depicts rotational angles of the radial expansion device 800according to some embodiments. In the closed state in this example, thearm 1002 may have a rotational angle of 0° on the arm axis 1040. Byrotating the gear spline (e.g., gear spline 840 of FIG. 8 ), the arm1002 may have an adjustment angle 1092 and the arms of the radialexpansion device 800 may form a circular spiral that expands a diameter.This may be accomplished by forming a circular spiral of arc sections ofarms that has a ⅛ inch offset from the original diameter. In someembodiments, the adjustment angle 1092 is 20.26°.

By rotating, the arm 1002 may have an adjustment angle 1094. The arms ofthe radial expansion device may form a circular spiral with an offset ofa ¼ inch. This may be accomplished by forming a circular spiral that hasan ¼ inch offset from the original diameter. In some embodiments, theadjustment angle 1094 is 23.81°.

By rotating, the arm 1002 may have an adjustment angle 1096. The arms ofthe radial expansion device may form a circular spiral with an offset of⅜ inch. This may be accomplished by forming a circular spiral that has a⅜ inch offset from the original diameter. In some embodiments, theadjustment angle 1096 is 13.06°.

FIG. 11A depicts a perspective view 1100 of an adjustment knob 1102according to some embodiments. The adjustment knob 1102 is coupled to alocking ring 1120 and a gear spline 1110. In one example, the gearspline 1110 is gear spline 840 of FIG. 8 .

The gear spline 1110 may be coupled to or a protrusion of the adjustmentknob 1102. The gear spline 1110 includes multiple ridges such as ridge1112, which mechanically interface with pivot components (such as pivotcomponent 1030 of FIG. 10A) on each of the arms 450 of the radialexpansion device (such as radial expansion device 130A or 130B coupledto a rolling pin system 100 as show in FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments,the gear spline 1110 includes the same number of ridges as the number ofarms of the radial expansion device. Typically, the gear spline 1110 isrotated when a user turns the adjustment knob 1102. The degree to whichthe user turns the adjustment knob 1102 determines the offset positionof the radial expansion device. By turning the adjustment knob 1102, theridges (e.g., including ridge 1112) of the gear spline 1110 rotates.Looking back to FIG. 9 , as the gear spline 1110 rotates, the pivotcomponents of each arm, which are mechanically interfaced with theridges of the gear spline 840 also turn, causing different arc sectionsof the arms (e.g., including arm 820) to form circular spirals andexpand or retract a diameter depending on the circular spiral of arcsections.

The locking ring 1120 is coupled to the adjustment knob 1102 on the sidefacing the gear spline 1110. In this example, the locking ring 1120 iswithin a cavity of the adjustment knob 1102. The locking ring 1120includes apertures 1142, 1144, 1146, and 1148 which can be arranged inaperture sets (e.g., aperture set 1140). In some embodiments, a balldetent may interface the adjustment knob 1102 with an aperture (e.g.,aperture 1142) to assist in setting the position of the gear spline 1110thereby defining a setting of the radial expansion device (e.g., settingthe diameter of the circular spiral of arc sections of arms).

The ball detent positions one mechanical component relative to another.In this case, the ball detent holds the arms of the radial expansiondevice (e.g., arms 450 of the radial expansion device 130A of FIG. 4B)in a particular position (e.g., an open state 242A of FIG. 4B) based ona rotational angle of the adjustment knob 1102. For example, in a closedstate 240A (see FIG. 4A), the adjustment knob 1102 interface ball detentpositions with any number of the apertures 1142, 1144, 1146, and 1148and hold each of the arms 450 (see FIG. 4A) in the closed state 240A.

In some embodiments, the locking ring 1120 is composed of stainlesssteel. Alternatively, the locking ring 1120 is composed of non-reactivemetals or a polymer.

It will be appreciated that that the adjustment knob 1102 and lockingring 1120 are one of many ways to actuate or control the opening orclosing of the arms. It will be appreciated that any actuator may beutilized (e.g., the actuator is not limited to the adjustment knob 1102,locking ring 1120, and gear spline 1110).

From the closed state 240A, the user may interact with or rotate theadjustment knob 1102 by an adjustment angle 1092, to a first offsetposition, which turns the arms 450 of the radial expansion device 130Asuch that a first arc section 1010 (see FIG. 10A) of each of the arms450 form a circular spiral with a first offset from a first diameter.

From a position corresponding to the adjustment angle 1092, or the firstoffset position, the user may rotate the adjustment knob 1102 by theadjustment angle 1094 to a second offset position such that a second arcsection 1012 of each of the arms 450 form a circular spiral with asecond offset from a second diameter (the second offset being largerthan the first offset and, as a result, the second diameter is largerthan the first diameter).

From a position corresponding to the adjustment angle 1094, or thesecond offset position, the user may rotate the adjustment knob 1102 bythe adjustment angle 1096 to a third offset position such that a thirdarc section 1014 of each of the arms 450 form a circular spiral with athird offset from a third diameter (the third offset being larger thanthe first and second offsets and, as a result, the third diameter islarger than the second diameter and the first diameter).

The apertures 1142, 1144, 1146, and 1148 (as well as the other aperturesnot numbered in FIG. 11A) may lock the position of the gear spline 1110.As a result, the ridges of the gear spline 1110 lock the arms 450 inposition to set the position of the multiple arms 450 to form acontinuous, or substantially continuous, circular spiral that does notslide open or closed without the user's intention. In some embodiments,the user may start at the closed state 240A and rotate to the secondoffset position (e.g., open state 242A) without stopping at the firstoffset position (e.g., mid-state 244A).

Typically, the gear spline 1110 and adjustment knob 1102 are composed ofany rigid material (e.g., stainless steel or plastic). In someembodiments, the gear spline 1110 and adjustment knob 1102 are composedof non-reactive metals or a polymer.

The gear spline 1110 and the locking ring 1120 may include a cavity thatforms an adjustment knob opening 1150. A support member (now shown) maybe coupled to the adjustment knob 1102 may engage with a bodymaintaining the ball detents.

FIG. 11B depicts a back view 1160 of an adjustment knob 1102, lockingring 1120, and gear spline 1110 according to some embodiments. The backview 1160 further includes the aperture set 1140 and the adjustment knobopening 1150. In some embodiments, the adjustment knob 1102 may have atransparent or semi-transparent window to allow an individual to viewthe components of the radial expansion device.

FIG. 12 depicts a view 1200 of the radial expansion device 1202 showingparts of the adjustment knob 1102, locking ring 1120, and arms 450according to some embodiments. The view 1200 includes outlines of allthe arms 450 coupled to the arm coupling components 708 (see FIG. 7 ).The adjustment knob 1102 turns the gear spline 1110 thereby causing thearms 450 to turn or rotate about their respective arm couplingcomponents. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the gearspline 1110 is stationary and the arms 450 are moved thereby causing thearms 450 to turn outwards or inwards due to the interface with the gearspline 1110.

FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view 1300 of components of the radialexpansion device 1202 of the rolling pin system 100 according to someembodiments. The components of the radial expansion device 1202 are seenthrough the end of the rolling pin system 100.

FIG. 14A depicts a view of components of a radial expansion device 1400of the rolling pin system 100 in which arms 450 of the radial expansiondevice 1400 are in a closed state according to some embodiments. In theclosed state, the arms may not be visible. The side view of the radialexpansion device 1400 may depict a part of an index ring, a locking ring1410 as well as multiple sets of arm coupling components, including aset of arm coupling components 1420. The radial expansion device 1400further includes a ball detent 1430. The ball detent 1430 holds the armsof the radial expansion device 1400 in a particular position based on arotational angle of an adjustment handle of the radial expansion device1400.

FIG. 14B depicts another view 1402 of components of the radial expansiondevice 1400 in which arms 450 are in an open state (e.g., open state242A) according to some embodiments.

FIG. 14C depicts a view 1404 of components of the radial expansiondevice 1400 in which arms 450 are in a closed state (e.g., closed state240A) according to some embodiments.

FIG. 15 depicts a cross-sectional view of a radial expansion device 130Acoupled to the rolling pin body 110 according to some embodiments. WhileFIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 7, 8, 9, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 11A, and 11B mayrefer to any radial expansion device used with different devices, theexample radial expansion device 130A in FIG. 15 refers to theimplementation with the rolling pin body 110 of FIG. 1 .

The radial expansion device 130A includes a protective layer 170A, whichprotects the components of the radial expansion device 130A from flour,water, dust, and dough. Indentations or lips 1512 and 1514 in the radialexpansion device 130A include gaskets or other rubber members that arecompressed and form a seal with the protective layer 170A.

The radial expansion device 130A includes an adjustment knob 310. Anadjustment knob fastener 1540 may couple the adjustment knob 310 to therolling pin body. The adjustment knob fastener 1540 typically includes astainless-steel socket head cap screw. Alternatively, the adjustmentknob fastener 1540 may be composed of polymer, wood, brass, copper, or anon-reactive metal. In some embodiments, the adjustment knob fastener1540 further couples an index ring 1550 to the rolling pin body 110.Each of the multiple arms 450 of the radial expansion device 130A may becoupled to the rolling pin body 110 using an arm fastener 1565.Typically, the arm fastener 1565 is a stainless-steel screw but may beany fastener. A base component 600 of the radial expansion device 130Amay be coupled to the rolling pin body 110 using base fasteners(including base fastener 1575). It will be appreciated that the radialexpansion device 130A may be coupled to the rolling pin body 110 in anynumber of ways (e.g., fasteners, glue, and/or the like).

1. A rolling pin system comprising: a rolling pin with a first end, asecond end, and a rolling pin diameter; a first radial expansion devicecoupled to the first end, the first radial expansion device having afirst modifiable diameter, the first radial expansion device having aplurality of first arms, each first arm of the plurality of first armsincluding a first pivot component configured to pivot from a first stateto a second state, each first arm including a first arc section and asecond arc section, the first arc section having a first diameter ofcurvature, the second arc section having a second diameter of curvaturedifferent than the first diameter of curvature, the first arc sectionsof the plurality of first arms cooperating to form a first surface ofrotation when the first pivot components of the plurality of first armsare in the first state, the second arc sections of the plurality offirst arms cooperating to form a second surface of rotation when thefirst pivot components of the plurality of first arms are in the secondstate, the second diameter of curvature being greater than the rollingpin diameter; and a second radial expansion device coupled to the secondend, the second radial expansion device having a second modifiablediameter, the second radial expansion device having a plurality ofsecond arms, each second arm of the plurality of second arms including asecond pivot component configured to pivot from a third state to afourth state, each second arm including a third arc section and a fourtharc section, the third arc section having the first diameter ofcurvature, the fourth arc section having the second diameter ofcurvature, the third arc sections of the plurality of second armscooperating to form the first surface of rotation when the second pivotcomponents of the plurality of second arms are in the third state, thefourth arc sections of the plurality of second arms cooperating to formthe second surface of rotation when the second pivot components of theplurality of second arms are in the fourth state.
 2. The rolling pin ofclaim 1, wherein each first pivot component of the plurality of firstarms is coupled to a first actuation device configured to pivot from thefirst state to the second state and each second pivot component of theplurality of second arms is coupled to a second actuation deviceconfigured to pivot from the third state to the fourth state.
 3. Therolling pin of claim 1, wherein each first arm of the plurality of firstarms is at least partially adjacent to at least one other arm of theplurality of first arms and each second arm of the plurality of secondarms is at least partially adjacent to at least one other arm of theplurality of second arms.
 4. The rolling pin of claim 1, wherein thefirst surface of rotation is a circular spiral of the first arc sectionsof the plurality of first arms.
 5. The rolling pin of claim 1, whereinthe second surface of rotation is a circular spiral of the second arcsections of the plurality of first arms.
 6. The rolling pin of claim 1,wherein the first state comprises the first arc sections of theplurality of first arms being at a first outer circumference of thefirst radial expansion device and wherein the second state comprises thesecond arc sections of the plurality of first arms being at a secondouter circumference of the first radial expansion device.
 7. The rollingpin of claim 1, wherein each first pivot component is at a pivotdiameter about a radial center of the first radial expansion device. 8.The rolling pin of claim 1, further comprising an elastic material thatis stretchable when the second arc sections of the plurality of firstarms cooperate to form the second surface of rotation.
 9. The rollingpin of claim 1, wherein the first diameter of curvature is greater thanthe rolling pin diameter.
 10. The rolling pin of claim 1, furthercomprising a rolling member coupled to the first radial expansion deviceopposite the rolling pin.
 11. A rolling pin system comprising: a rollingpin with a first end, a second end, and a rolling pin diameter; a firstradial expansion device coupled to the first end, the first radialexpansion device having a first modifiable diameter, the first radialexpansion device having a plurality of first arms, each first arm of theplurality of first arms including a first extension means configured toextend the first arm of the plurality of first arms from a first stateto a second state, each first arm including a first arc section and asecond arc section, the first arc section having a first diameter ofcurvature, the second arc section having a second diameter of curvaturedifferent than the first diameter of curvature, the first arc sectionsof the plurality of first arms cooperating to form a first surface ofrotation when the first extension means of the plurality of first armsare in the first state, the second arc sections of the plurality offirst arms cooperating to form a second surface of rotation when thefirst extension means of the plurality of first arms are in the secondstate, the second diameter of curvature being greater than the rollingpin diameter; and a second radial expansion device coupled to the secondend, the second radial expansion device having a second modifiablediameter, the second radial expansion device having a plurality ofsecond arms, each second arm of the plurality of second arms including asecond extension means configured to extend the second arm of theplurality of second arms from a third state to a fourth state, eachsecond arm including a third arc section and a fourth arc section, thethird arc section having the first diameter of curvature, the fourth arcsection having the second diameter of curvature, the third arc sectionsof the plurality of second arms cooperating to form the first surface ofrotation when the second extension means of the plurality of second armsare in the third state, the fourth arc sections of the plurality ofsecond arms cooperating to form the second surface of rotation when thesecond extension means of the plurality of second arms are in the fourthstate.
 12. The rolling pin of claim 11, wherein each first extensionmeans of the plurality of first arms is coupled to a first actuationdevice configured to extend the first arm of the plurality of first armsfrom the first state to the second state and each second extension meansof the plurality of second arms is coupled to a second actuation deviceconfigured to extend the first arm of the plurality of first arms fromthe third state to the fourth state.
 13. The rolling pin of claim 11,wherein each first arm of the plurality of first arms is at leastpartially adjacent to at least one other arm of the plurality of firstarms and each second arm of the plurality of second arms is at leastpartially adjacent to at least one other arm of the plurality of secondarms.
 14. The rolling pin of claim 11, wherein the first surface ofrotation is a circular spiral of the first arc sections of the pluralityof first arms.
 15. The rolling pin of claim 11, wherein the secondsurface of rotation is a circular spiral of the second arc sections ofthe plurality of first arms.
 16. The rolling pin of claim 11, whereinthe first state comprises the first arc sections of the plurality offirst arms being at a first outer circumference of the first radialexpansion device and wherein the second state comprises the second arcsections of the plurality of first arms being at a second outercircumference of the first radial expansion device.
 17. The rolling pinof claim 11, wherein each first pivot component is at a pivot diameterabout a radial center of the first radial expansion device.
 18. Therolling pin of claim 11, further comprising an elastic material that isstretchable when the second arc sections of the plurality of first armscooperate to form the second surface of rotation.
 19. The rolling pin ofclaim 11, wherein the first diameter of curvature is greater than therolling pin diameter.
 20. A method comprising: providing a rolling pinwith a first end, a second end, and a rolling pin diameter; coupling afirst radial expansion device to the first end of the rolling pin, thefirst radial expansion device having a first modifiable diameter, thefirst radial expansion device having a plurality of first arms, eachfirst arm of the plurality of first arms including a first pivotcomponent configured to pivot from a first state to a second state, eachfirst arm including a first arc section and a second arc section, thefirst arc section having a first diameter of curvature, the second arcsection having a second diameter of curvature different than the firstdiameter of curvature, the first arc sections of the plurality of firstarms cooperating to form a first surface of rotation when the firstpivot components of the plurality of first arms are in the first state,the second arc sections of the plurality of first arms cooperating toform a second surface of rotation when the first pivot components of theplurality of first arms are in the second state, the second diameter ofcurvature being greater than the rolling pin diameter; and coupling asecond radial expansion device to the second end of the rolling pin, thesecond radial expansion device having a second modifiable diameter, thesecond radial expansion device having a plurality of second arms, eachsecond arm of the plurality of second arms including a second pivotcomponent configured to pivot from a third state to a fourth state, eachsecond arm including a third arc section and a fourth arc section, thethird arc section having the first diameter of curvature, the fourth arcsection having the second diameter of curvature, the third arc sectionsof the plurality of second arms cooperating to form the first surface ofrotation when the second pivot components of the plurality of secondarms are in the third state, the fourth arc sections of the plurality ofsecond arms cooperating to form the second surface of rotation when thesecond pivot components of the plurality of second arms are in thefourth state.